Karen Roos, M.D., professor of neurology at the Indiana University School of Medicine and author of a comprehensive textbook on meningitis and numerous articles and book chapters on the topic, is available to discuss the outbreak of Neisseria meningitidis type B bacteria at University of California, Santa Barbara, and at Princeton University.

Roos, who is the author of five textbooks on meningitis, said parents should not have a false sense of security because their child has been vaccinated for meningitis. The vaccine does not protect individuals from the bacteria form involved in the outbreak on the East and West coasts.

Parents should be aware of the symptoms (stiff neck, high fever, other flu-like symptoms) and contact their physician. Treatment for Neisseria meningitidis type B bacteria is rifampin for two days or one dose of intramuscular ceftriaxone.

Dr. Roos is the John and Nancy Nelson Professor of Neurology and a professor of neurological surgery. To contact her, email Mary Hardin at [email protected] or call 317-727-7712.